Well it started out as a regular Monday, until I received an email inviting me to attend a meet and greet with Howie D of the Backstreet Boys to discuss his new children’s album- Which one am I ? which debuts on July 12.
I thought a children’s album, how amazing is that. I quickly responded a yes and started my research on this new album.
So me and my family jumped in the car and headed to the Bell Center. They were going to drop me off and after the interview we were planning to hit up La Ronde . I entered the bell center with some true BSB fans awaiting Howie’s arrival.
We sat and listened attentively to Howie explain how this project came about. Having kids changes your whole perspective on life. When his son James was 5 it sparked something inside him and inspired to create this children’s album. Songs that children can relate to, dance and express who they are. It was also his way to sing about what he went through as a child – a mixed-race heritage youth and the things he had to deal with. The song “Monsters in my Head”, derived from a night when his son woke up after having bad dreams and he expressed to his dad ” I have these monsters in my head and I can’t get them out” something even us adults deal with on a daily basis.
We sat and listened to a couple of songs off the album and I gotta say I was blown away. When my daughter was little, we listed to a lot of children’s music and many were just stuck in our heads. But this cd is different. Along with being stuck in your head, you get the chance to dance and sing with your kids and can relate to each of the songs on the album. This album is turning into a musical called Howie D: Back in the Day. It will be debuting in early 2020 in Omaha Nebraska.
When the question period came, I raised my hand and asked:
” Have you considered writing children’s books to pair up with the cd?”
Anything is possible. This new album will bring up many new projects and take it in different directions. He is open to adding to this new part of his career.
We chatted some more about having kids, dealing with anxiety and this new venture in his career. He is a true inspiration and very humble. I cannot recommend this CD enough. The songs are relatable, catchy and you won’t feel guilty at all for playing it in the car even when the kids are not around. Order yours today!!!
A BIG shoutout to Howie and his generosity for inviting me to be a guest to the concert last night. I was able to take my daughter to her first BSB concert- 2nd concert for her. She was blown away and had the best time ever. So Thank you Howie D for making it a special night my daughter will never forget!!
We are so excited to be working with West Island Community Shares on a super fun summer fundraising program. It’s a great way to get your kids involved in their community and to give back!
The campaign is called- ” Powered by Kids.. For Kids”
What does that mean you ask? well, it’s a fantastic way to teach your kids about giving back to their community. WI Community shares has set up a special fund dedicated to local community kid charities that all these funds will go directly into. Challenge your children to give back by hosting a lemonade stand, a bake sale, cut your neighbours grass and so on and so on. The ideas are endless. Allow your child to come up with their own fundraiser and all funds will go directly to your community. Remember that the amount raised is irrelevant. The important thing is to help our children understand that not all kids are as fortunate as they are.
Head over to the West Island Community Shares website for all the details on how your child can set up their very own fundraiser page. This campaign will run all summer long. Get your local pool involved or day camp. Let’s come together and support our community and have lots of fun doing it!
Has anyone ever made you feel like the worst parent ever? I am sure as soon as your baby was born, there has been one time where someone made you feel inadequate as a parent.
A few years ago I spoke about parent shaming on social media. Here is a part 2 to that article. Parent shaming at the school level…
This type of parent shaming starts at the baby level.. do I or don’t I send my child to daycare? The struggle is real. With some parents it’s a no brainer, they work and child must go and some are home with their kids. Either way you do what you need to do for your family. No matter what, our society will still shame you on either decision. You must do what is best for your family and that’s it.
Now comes Elementary school. It starts with the comparisons: ” My child can count to 30 and speak 3 languages and write 20 words. What can your child do? ” This stage is huge in building your child and teaching them about bullying and how wrong it is. Yet the parents are the bigger bullies and kids learn from their parents.
I am currently in the phase of registering my daughter for High School. Registration for high school is way different then it was when I was in school. There are tons of programs to choose from and each school offers something different. First step, is in grade5 in the month of May, the students (by choice) take an exam to see if they qualify for the IB (
International Baccalaureate) Program and any other specialty programs that require an entrance test. We chose NOT to send our daughter for the exam as we know our child, this program is not for her. But I still got numerous comments from parents in all grades- ” You are Not sending her for the IB exam?” with that look of disgust and judgement. All I want to say to them is ” WTH is it to you what we decide to do for my child?” With so much pressure in schools, why can’t kids just go to school and learn and not be segregated into these programs where this side is the “Smart people” and this side is the “regular people” ? As a parent, it’s so frustrating! The fear iof your child being bullied cause she is not in the “smart” class is what I am dreading. Thankfully, we have brought up a smart, independant, strong girl who will stand up for herself and anyone she cares about. Sure there are repercussions for that too. Snitch, tattle tale, all things she has already been called because she stood up to bullies when someone else couldn’t. It’s so important to teach our kids that we should stand up for what is right NOT because they will look bad or be segragated for doing so. Looking forward to what high school will bring us next year and also scared at what social media, peer pressure, hormones etc will do to my child. I hope she can continue to be a strong, independent girl that I brought her up to be.
So with all that being said.. will this parent Shaming/ bullying ever stop? With social media in full play, I almost think it’s going to get worse before it ever gets better.
The holidays are around the corner. Time to plan ahead and order your child’s very own personalized messagefromsanta.ca letter.
Do your kids mail out a letter to santa every year? I know you can send a letter to Santa via Canada post and then they send out a very generic letter to everyone. The same letter over and over again. Well have I got the next best thing for you.
Check out messagefromsanta.ca. Order your child’s personalized letter from Santa. Right down to the gifts they want and everything. There are many package offerings available with just the letter or some extra added items that will make your child feel special.
You can choose the sample letter or you can send in your own version. You can choose which design you would like and which package. Then come December, your child will receive a beautiful package in the mail. How cool is that??
The prices start at 12.99$ and go up to 34.99$ with so many choices to choose from. From personalized items to magic reindeer food, your child will be amazed!
Check out my video review on these super cool products. All created by a local mom entrepreneur. Support Local businesses and sign up today for your letter to santa!
You can visit them on Facebook or directly on their site to order.
We have teamed up with MonGym West Island and Gamerz Cafe to bring a much needed Fall Food drive. They are in desperate need to re-stock their shelves. Some major items are at the top of the list:
- Peanut Butter
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Canned Fish such as Tuna and Salmon
Every month On Rock Community Services, has 275 families they provide food baskets for. The need for food is growing everyday. We need your help.
Calling on all the west islanders for your help more than ever now.
This food drive will run until November 15th. Keep those canned goods coming.
Start collecting your toys for our 4th Annual toy drive which will kick off November 17th. More details to follow.
